Here Are 5 Cars You Could Actually Buy On A Budget

On any given day here on Car Throttle, you might find car videos featuring brand new motors, a sexy image of McLaren's latest wondercar, and a top list of your dream 3-car garage. But what about cars you can actually afford to lay down green for?

5. Kia Rio

The Rio is Kia's entry-level car, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in quality. Although once somewhat bland, the new Kia Rio features exciting performance and surprising roominess for a car of its size. The Rio is uniquely styled and is guaranteed to stand out from the rest of the compact class with its smooth, broad lines and sweeping arches.

Oh, and it's Korean. Who doesn't love Koreans these days?

4. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus was the first modern domestic compact to become a hit in the United States. It was a superbly competent car, quickly gaining a reputation as a workhorse for more budget-minded drivers. The most recent generation, introduced in 2012, transformed the Focus from mere commuter to a distinctive sedan or hatchback with excellent handling and a luxurious interior.

More importantly, it's got a cracking chassis, and it starts from less than 10 big ones.

3. Volkswagen Golf

VW's Golf is an engineering classic with a long history and decades of refinement under the hood. It's no surprise then that Volkswagen, the pioneer of the small car, should have an entry on this list. The Golf suffered for years as a slightly outdated but rock-solid compact that never quite lived up to its potential. Then the latest update brought it rocketing back to the top of its class. Nothing in the Golf feels cheap, from the timeless design to the plush interior.

The new Golf 7 is bound to be another sales winner. It's more expensive, but you get some high quality H20 German engineering for your bucks.

2. Mazda3

Mazda has gained a reputation as the manufacturer of choice for sleek, stylish cars that are far too enthusiastic for their price range. The Mazda3 is one of Mazda's most successful examples of that inclination. The Mazda3 relishes the road but also carries the latest technological features in safety and convenience. It is, simply put, a lot of car for its class.

Although we're not huge fans of the Mazda2 and 3, they have Japanese engineering behind them, which means that young Billy won't need to get his fingers dirty. If you catch my drift.

1. Honda Jazz

What's the Jazz doing at the top of our list? Well, Honda's long-standing attention to stability and impeccable engineering created a trustworthy little commuter that sparked a wave of imitators. This is the subcompact that started the trend, appearing on the scene just as fuel costs began to increase sharply, and it has held up well through the years.

More likely to appeal to your nan, it'll be something your 'rents want to buy thanks to outstanding fuel economy and again, Japanese engineering. No whinging now...